RAMALLAH, West Bank, 15 March 2008 — In an effort to retain its military edge in the region, Israel will ask the US administration to provide F-22 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, a report said yesterday.
The daily Jerusalem Post said Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Pinhas Buhris will visit the US next week to discuss a wide range of security and defense issues with Pentagon officials, including the funding of the Arrow missile defense system as well as the purchase of F-22 jets.
Israel had asked the US for the stealth jets last year following American plans to sell some Gulf countries advanced Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) smart bombs. The Israeli request was then turned down.
According to the report, the Israeli Air Force did not give up hopes of acquiring the aircraft, particularly since Israel is only expected to begin receiving the stealth Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35, in 2013 at the earliest. This could be too late to be used if Israel decides to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, the report maintained.
The F-22 formally entered operational service in the US Air Force in December 2005, but has not been sold outside America due to a federal law barring sale of the aircraft.
Israeli defense officials said chances of receiving the fighter “look positive” following recent talks with US. The Post quoted an Israeli defense official as saying that receiving the stealth jet “would be a major boost for Israel and its capability of deterrence.” Israel is particularly encouraged by remarks made last month by US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during a visit to Australia. Gates said he would look into lifting the congressional ban on the sale of the F-22 to foreign nations. Australia and Japan have also expressed interest in buying the stealth aircraft.
The report added that Buhris will also use his US trip to try to secure funding for the development of the Arrow missile defense system.
